Health

A prospective study of plasma homocyst(e)ine and risk of myocardial infarction in U.S. physicians

Article Abstract:

Men with homocyst(e)ine levels above the 95th percentile have three times the risk of heart attack than those in the bottom 90%. The study followed 14,916 physicians with no previous history of heart attack. Study results were corrected for other risk factors. Men were excluded who had cardiovascular problems, cancer, current renal or liver diseases, peptic ulcer, gout or who were taking aspirin or vitamin A supplements. The 271 men in the group who did have heart attacks showed elevated homocyst(e)ine levels implying that this may be an independent risk factor. The relative risk among men under 60 years old was the same as for those over 60, implying that elevated homocyst(e)ine levels may be a greater risk factor in younger men. Since those who take large amounts of vitamin supplements have lower homocyst(e)ine levels, vitamin supplements may be a way of helping to prevent heart attacks.

Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary disease in women

Article Abstract:

Consumption of vitamin E supplements may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in middle-aged women. Vitamin E may prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, a possible contributing factor to the development of atherosclerosis. Among 87,245 female nurses between 34 and 59 years old who were followed over an average of eight years, 552 developed major coronary heart disease. Women with the highest consumption of vitamin E had a lower risk of coronary heart disease than those with the lowest consumption. Women who took vitamin E supplements for more than two years reduced their risk of coronary heart disease. Women who took supplements for shorter periods of time did not lower their risk significantly.